- Kantianism is a Deontological normative theory of Ethics – Based on duty. Motives are important when assessing moral actions, not consequences.
- Morality involves free choice. Kant held that without free choice, we could not choose to be moral. For Kant, we cannot make free choices is we are told what to do, or if we are treated as ‘a means‛ to an end rather than an ‘end.‛ In other words, we can only have freedom if we are respected as autonomous, rational, free agents.
- We cannot be moral if we make choices based on our inclinations and desires, as these are things we cannot control. If we cannot control them, we cannot be free to choose them.
- Our choices can only be free if they result from ‘reason‛. Reason leads to objective moral law. This is because through ‘reason‛ we can arrive at objective, universalisable maxims.
- Maxims can only be made into moral law if they pass, or fit the demands of the Categorical Imperative. That is, if they can be Universalised to apply to all people.
- To do this, a Maxim must be able to be able to be willed by everyone.
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